PBSO corrections deputy arrested on drug charges

A corrections officer with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and her husband are facing drug charges. (PBSO)

SOUTH BAY, Fla. (CBS12) —

A corrections deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and her husband are facing drug charges.

The sheriff's office arrested 33-year-old Marquita Perez on charges of possession of marijuana over 20 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia. and possession of property for trafficking, sale or the manufacture of a controlled substance with a minor present.

The investigation began when deputies arrested her husband, Bobby Perez, last July. The Narcotics Division with PBSO executed a search warrant at the couple's home in South Bay. Deputies recovered numerous heat-sealed bags of what later tested positive to be marijuana throughout the home and garage, according to the arrest reports.

On the day of the warrant, deputies arrested Mr. Perez who said he planned to sell the marijuana to make money because he has a child on the way. Mrs. Perez, according to the arrest reports, told deputies she had been working for the sheriff's office for the past three years and had no idea that her husband of one year sold marijuana. Mrs. Perez said her husband had friends who did.

According to the arrest reports, DNA comparisons showed the couple as potential contributors to the DNA found on at least four bags of marijuana. Investigators found evidence showing at least two unknown individuals left DNA on the bags.

Marquita Perez remains at the Palm Beach County Jail. She's due in court on Feb. 22 for arraignment, according to court records. Bobby Perez is out on bond. He's set to go to trial on Feb. 26.

The sheriff's office says Perez is on administrative leave with pay. The investigation is ongoing as to where the 16.87 pounds of marijuana came from.

STATEMENT FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office holds its employees to the highest standards and never forgets about its duty to preserve the public’s trust. Unfortunately sometimes an employee makes a bad decision which leads to misconduct. This misconduct was reported, investigated by our agency and subsequently determined to be criminal in nature, resulting in the charges against Marquita Perez.

The Sheriff’s Office will remain vigilant to insure that our efforts are professional and meet the high standards that the public has come to expect.